5 Pig Roasts to Hit This Summer

In addition to the summer food festivals you should already be getting amped about (and buying tickets to), get ready to hit some big-time barbecue parties in the next few months. These five events will all be about one thing: roasted whole hog. The pork fests range from chef tastings in Red Hook to a pig-fueled cooking showdown spanning five cities. Read on, then pick the pig party that’s right for you—preferably all of them.

Big Apple Barbecue Block Party

What: Big Apple BBQ Block Party is now in its 12th year. While there’s plenty of smoked brisket, beef tips, and other barbecue classics in the mix, the highlight of the festival is whole-roasted hogs. Expect stands teeming with baby-back ribs and pulled pork shoulder, crafted by legendary pit masters like Ed Mitchell of Que in Durham, NC and Rodney Scott of Scott’s Bar-B-Que in Hemingway, SC. Mitchell is committed to using farm-raised hogs for his barbecue, and he employs a 150-year-old cooking method to get them just right. (Photo: Flickr/joshbousel)

Pig Island

What: Twenty-five NYC chefs will create pig-intense dishes and compete for the judges’ favor at Pig Island; all access-tickets ($65) guarantee you a taste of craft beers by Sixpoint, state wines from the Finger Lakes, and ciders from the Hudson River Valley, plus live bands, vegetarian options, and snacks made from 80 locally-raised hogs from Flying Pigs Farm. The NY Water Taxi will make it easy to reach Red Hook—just remember to wear sunscreen and abide by the BYOBlanket rule. (Photo: Flickr/ajagendorf25)

Cochon 555’s Heritage BBQ

What: Kicking off in Chicago and spanning five cities, Cochon 555’s Heritage BBQ series honors National Bourbon Month and celebrates grilling traditions from all over the world (be on the lookout for African braai, Chinese char siu, and Argentine asado). In every city, five notable chefs will each be given a 200-pound hog to build six dishes, and 20 judges will vote on the city’s BBQ King or Queen. Cochon 555 founder Brady Lowe hopes that the tour will raise awareness about sustainable farming and local sourcing initiatives. (Photo: Cochon555)

Solstice Session at the Arrogant Swine

What: Hog master Tyson Ho will be bringing back the communal pig-picking party celebrating the “traditional North Carolina whole hog BBQ, craft beer brewing, and pig farming” this year at The Arrogant Swine, his soon-to-open, 3,000-square-foot Brooklyn barbecue spot. Last year’s slow-smoked Gloucestershire Old Spot hogs were sourced from Tamarack Hollow Farm and accompanied by garnishes, bottomless craft beer (from local breweries like Barrier and SingleCut), and a live bluegrass band. The organizers just released 25 extra tickets this morning, so jump on them while you have the chance. (Photo: Flickr/joshbousel)

Pig Roast Sundays at Crown Vic

What: If you’re looking for a spacious outdoor space where you can cheer on your favorite World Cup teams and feast on plates of juicy roasted suckling pig, then hit this Williamsburg restaurant all summer long. In true Brooklyn form, Crown Victoria’s weekly pig roasts combine the forces of pop-up eatery Chez Jose, local charcutierEnds Meat, and Roaming Acres Farm. Expect top-notch side dishes and local beers to accompany the porcine delights. (Photo: Flickr)

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